Cello Intermediate 25: Introduction to Natural Harmonics
In this video lesson, we will be looking at natural harmonics on the cello. You produce these fluty sounds when you touch a string at specific points along its length rather than depressing it fully. If you are interested in the physics behind these, I recommend reading up on the harmonic series.
Finding the harmonics
To find a harmonic, you must divide the string:
- The halfway point: place your finger exactly in the middle of the string to create the most resonant, clear harmonic.
- Thirds, quarters, and fifths: as you move further away from the centre of the string, you can find other harmonic points. Note that they become less clear the further you move from the centre.
The "Ballerina" touch
The biggest trick with natural harmonics is the contrast in pressure. You must have a really firm, weighty bow arm to encourage the resonance, but your left hand must be super light, just like a ballerina on points.
When playing slurred passages, you have to be very careful with your "transfers." You can only have one finger on the string at a time. If you leave two fingers down, or if you don't place your finger exactly on the harmonic point, the sound will have a scratchy, thin quality.
Practising intonation and notation
Natural harmonics sound quite different from the "real" notes on the page. To practise these effectively, I recommend playing the actual notes written on the page first. This ensures your hand is in the right position. Once you are sure of the pitch, come off the string, lighten your left hand, and play the harmonic with a firm bow.
When you see harmonics in your music, they are usually notated as little diamond shapes. Playing pieces with natural harmonics is excellent for your technique because it forces you to maintain a weighty, steady bow speed, which will make all of your playing sound better.
If you want a piece to practise, try "Fairy Dust" from It's a Cello Thing, Book 2. It is a wonderful way to work on your transfers, string crossings, and slur control!